Is Alcohol-Free Wine Healthy?
Sep 10, 2025
The debate over alcohol free continues and I would admit that I’m in the camp of generally avoiding dealcoholised wine as I usually feel disappointed by the lack of body, taste and mouthfeel of wine once it has been through the difficult process of removing the alcohol. I have a lot of sympathy for wine producers who take huge care to nurture their grape vines before fermenting them with such intense care, only to then remove all the carefully built flavour compounds again. One exception I would say is sparkling white wine which through the use of added carbonation and the right sweetness, can somewhat mimic some of the qualities of wine - the one I favour is festillant which can be purchased through The Wine Society.
A recent article by Will Lyons in The Times dives into why alcohol-free wine is still such a struggle for producers. It’s well worth a read for context. Read the article here:
Taste aside, there’s another layer to the conversation: is non-alcoholic wine actually good for you? And how does it compare to other alternatives like naturally fermented drinks?
Here we look at the process of removing alcohol and the basic pros and cons of the final liquid. The process of removing alcohol is complex and varies from producer to producer.
The Process
Vacuum Distillation: This method involves heating the wine under a vacuum, which lowers the boiling point of the alcohol. This allows the ethanol to evaporate at a much lower temperature (around 30°C), preserving some of the wine's volatile compounds.
Reverse Osmosis: The wine is passed through a membrane that separates the smaller alcohol and water molecules from the larger flavor molecules. The alcohol and water are then separated, and the water is added back to the concentrated wine. This process is slower and more expensive but can be very effective at retaining the original flavors.
Spinning Cone Technology: This is considered one of the most sophisticated methods. It uses a series of spinning cones to separate the wine's components—the volatile aroma compounds, the alcohol, and the body of the wine. The aroma compounds and the body are then recombined without the alcohol.
The pros of non-alcoholic wine include retaining some antioxidants and polyphenols. It also has a lower calorie count, and is a way for people to reduce alcohol consumption.
The cons are that the process often leads to a loss of flavour and body. Producers may also add sugar or grape juice to compensate, and like some traditional wines, it may still contain sulphites.
L.A Brewery's Process and The Benefits of Our Drinks
Unlike traditional dealcoholised wine, L.A Brewery creates a range of sparkling drinks by using a different approach entirely.
Our products are not dealcoholised wine but are fermented beverages made using a kombucha culture, crafted to be a sophisticated alternative to wine. The process focuses on natural fermentation to build flavour, rather than removing alcohol from a pre-made wine. This method provides several distinct benefits and allows for a fuller, more satisfying drinking experience that doesn’t compromise on taste, complexity, or wellbeing.
Live Cultures: Our process starts with a blend of green and black teas, which are fermented with a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY). This natural fermentation creates a rich source of live cultures (probiotics) that can help support gut health and a diverse microbiome, contributing to overall digestive well-being. Many people choose kombucha-based drinks as a daily ritual that supports both physical and mental balance, and our sparkling versions offer that same benefit in a format that feels elevated and celebratory.
Polyphenols: The lightly fermented green tea we use as a base is naturally rich in polyphenols. These powerful plant-based compounds are known for their antioxidant properties, helping to protect your body's cells from damage. Beyond their role in cellular protection, polyphenols also support metabolic function, reduce inflammation, and may play a part in cardiovascular health. Since our base teas are minimally processed, these compounds are preserved more effectively than in heavily filtered or pasteurised drinks.
Acetic Acid: Our drinks contain acetic acid (vinegar), one of the main bacteria cultures of kombucha, which is scientifically proven to have a positive effect on blood sugar. It does this by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates, which means the sugar enters the bloodstream more slowly. Additionally, it can improve your body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing your cells to absorb glucose from your blood more effectively. This is especially valuable for those trying to balance energy levels throughout the day without relying on overly sweet drinks or caffeine.
Low Sugar: Through a patient, six-week fermentation process, the sugar in the tea is converted. The result is a sparkling drink with a balanced flavour profile that is low in sugar, with our products typically containing around 3.9g of sugar per 100ml. This makes them significantly lower in sugar than most alcohol-free wines or soft drinks, while still offering a naturally rounded flavour. The slow fermentation ensures that residual sugars are minimal, yet the drink remains vibrant and full-bodied.
Sulphite Free: L.A Brewery’s products are crafted without the use of sulphites, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitivities to this common preservative. Many of our customers come to us after experiencing adverse reactions to sulphites in wine and beer - and are pleasantly surprised to find a drink that feels better and tastes genuinely complex.
All-Natural Process: Our drinks are made in a micro-brewery in England using a natural process. They are made from a base of lightly fermented tea, which is then blended with natural ingredients like fruits, flowers, and hops to build a complex, layered flavour profile without the need for artificial additives. This all-natural approach results in a clean, crisp, and fresh-tasting beverage. Because we use real botanicals and small-batch techniques, each bottle captures a unique expression - one that’s more aligned with nature and less driven by industrial shortcuts.
Whether you're choosing to cut back on alcohol, avoid it completely, or simply want something that aligns with your health goals, our drinks are designed to offer a refined, satisfying experience.
